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(KTVU) - Kenny Baker, the actor behind R2D2 in the original Star Wars films, has died at the age of 81, according to AP.

He suffered from a longtime illness.

Baker stood at 3 feet 8 inches tall and played R2D2 in six of the franchises's films. Baker's niece, Abigail Shield, told The Guardian, "He brought lots of happiness to people and we'll be celebrating the fact that he was well loved throughout the world".